In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").
Westville is an unincorporated community in Kershaw County, South Carolina, United States. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. Before Westville got its name, it was known only as the West Section. In 1888, resident John C. West applied for the establishment of a post office and became the first postmaster. This post office officially changed its name to Westville in 1890. Westville is located on U.S. Route 521, 16 miles north of Camden. The Westville Fire Station opened in 1976, and the Westville fire tower is one of the few still in use throughout the state of South Carolina.